Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

CEBU, Philippines — The Sports Tourism Forum organized by Sports Turismo Alliance in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be held in Cebu on March 18, 2026. The one-day forum will feature top officials from both the sports and tourism sectors with the theme of Incorporating Sports in M.I.C.E. Leading the distinguished panel of speakers are Philippine Sports Commission Chairman, Patrick “Pato” Gregorio; Cleofe Albiso of Megaworld Hotels & Resorts; Princess Galura of Sunrise Events; Carlo Sampan of Milo Sports; Director Robbie Alabado of Department of Tourism; Vice President Kenneth Peralta of Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Benito Bengzon lll of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association; Marco Kasic of FundLife International; Michael Albana of SMX Convention Center; and Andrew Fernandes of Bellevue Resorts Bohol. Under Administrative Order #8, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr recently created the National Sports Tourism – Inter Agency Committee headed by PSC Chairman, Pato Gregorio. It’s objective is to to successfully stage and hosts sporting events in the country to boost its tourist arrivals and the tourism industry. Governor Pamela Baricuatro of Cebu Province together with Mayor Cindi Chan of Lapu Lapu City, Mayor Nestor Archival of Cebu City and Mayor Jonkie Ouano of Mandaue City have been invited to present their views and support the development of Cebu into a sports tourism hub.

Magalong reminds tourists vs accommodation scams

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued fresh reminders for tourists and visitors to the city to be vigilant in their accommodation bookings to avoid becoming victims of scams and illegal transient businesses. Magalong made the call as the city prepares to roll out crowd-drawing events for the Panagbenga Festival this February. “Let’s be cautious so as not to fall prey to these people who take advantage of our festival to advance their unscrupulous deed,” the mayor said. He said scammers usually use fake social media pages and accounts pretending to be the owners or representatives of legitimate accommodation establishments. To make sure of legitimate transactions, visitors were urged to transact only with accommodation establishments listed on the city’s officials tourist assistance website, the VISITA website at htttp://visita.baguio.gov.ph/. To verify legitimacy of the transactions, people are also advised to call the Permits and Licensing Division at 619-3184 to confirm the names of registered owner/s and their contact numbers. Fake accounts may be reported to the official Facebook page of the Baguio City Anti-Cyber Crime Unit or call 09088997228. The City Tourism Office also listed warning signs that the service is fraudulent: *Too good to be true packages. All-in packages that are unrealistically cheap may not be actually real! *No business permit and no official receipt. Always ask for copies of business permits and receipts that can be verifiable; *No official public website or social media page. Legit businesses will promote their services on public and well-recognized online platforms, usually with customer reviews and ratings; *Social media account was just recently created. Not necessarily all new websites or accounts are illegal, but scammers have the propensity for deleting old accounts and then will create new accounts, using different names every time; *Showing IDs that are not government-issued. Many IDs can just be fabricated and therefore may be fake, better ask for government-issued IDs since they are more verifiable. *Declared address is non-existent. To verify the address, please call 074-4462009. – Aileen P. Refuerzo

‘Bida Ka Lounge’ launched in La Union

Region 1

Region 1 / Street Journal

By Zaldy Comanda SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Provincial Government of La Union through the Provincial Treasurer Office has launched the ‘Bida Ka Lounge’, which aims to provide a welcoming and stress-free environment for taxpayers while processing their payments. “It’s tax season, so we know that our taxpayers are tired of waiting in line and processing their paperwork, so we thought of setting up a space here at the Provincial Treasurer’s Office to serve as a lounge or a place to rest and relax while our employees assist them,” said Governor Mario Ortega. According to Ortega, his administration aims to provide good service and make their transactions with the provincial government pleasant and to make them feel the ‘Agkaysa La Union’ program. Taxpayers at the said office will receive free food and tokens as a simple token of gratitude for their cooperation and support. This initiative is part of the province’s ongoing BIDA KA Campaign, which promotes good governance, mutual respect, and positive citizen participation. According to Ortega, early tax payment not only helps avoid penalties and last-minute hassles, but also allows the provincial government to better plan and fund programs, projects, and services that will benefit all residents of La Union. Through initiatives like the BIDA KA Lounge, the Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to recognizing responsible taxpayers and making public services more accessible, efficient, and citizen-centered.

P150-M Metro Naga sports complex rehabilitation gets green light

Region 5

Region 5 / Street Journal

By Jason Neola NAGA CITY, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is set to begin now the rehabilitation of the Metro Naga Sports Complex (MNSC) after it received the Notice to Proceed, which authorizes the said government agency to carry out the planned rehabilitation and improvement of the facility. According to the notice, the rehabilitation works will start on January 23, 2026, with a contract completion date of January 18, 2027. The implementing agency for the project is the DPWH 3rd Engineering District. Robredo also reported that the winning contract cost is P144,603,914.84, and the winning bidder is Delmar Construction and Supplies. Mayor Leni Robredo said that a budget of up to P150 million was secured to implement Phase 1 of the MNSC project. The office of Senator Chiz Escudero provided significant assistance in facilitating the release of the said funds. In her message during the ground-breaking ceremony yesterday, February 2, Mayor Robredo said she consulted the city’s athletic associations in the planning and design of the floor plan to ensure that their requested facilities would be included in Phase 1. These include a large hall, cubicles, athletes’ quarters for female and male athletes, a gym, meeting rooms, numerous comfort rooms, and other requirements of the associations. According to the mayor, the rehabilitation will also focus on the grandstand and the running lane, as well as a separate walkway for ordinary citizens who wish to exercise, especially early in the morning.

Itogon, pinapalakas ang turismo bilang alternatibo sa pagmimina

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

ITOGON, Benguet, Philippines — Itinuturing ng pamahalaang bayan ng Itogon, Benguet ang turismo bilang isa sa mga pangunahing economic driver ng munisipyo, bukod sa pagmimina, ayon kay Mayor Bernard S. Waclin. Ayon kay Waclin, patuloy na dinarayo ng mga lokal at banyagang turista ang mga trekking destinations sa iba’t ibang barangay, mga pribadong resorts, theme park, at agricultural communities, kaya’t lumalakas ang papel ng turismo sa pagpapanatili ng kabuhayan at aktibidad ng ekonomiya sa bayan. “Masaya kaming makita na mas dumarami na ang bumibisita sa iba’t ibang tourist spots sa Itogon. Inaasahan namin ang mas malaking bilang ng turista sa mga susunod na taon, lalo na sa pag-usbong ng iba pang private tourist destinations,” ayon kay Mayor Waclin. Binigyang-diin ng alkalde na mahalaga ang turismo sa pagtutulungan ng pangangalaga sa kalikasan at kaunlaran. Kaya naman, tinutulungan ng lokal na pamahalaan ang promosyon ng kasalukuyan at bagong tuklas na destinasyon upang isaalang-alang ng mga turista sa kanilang pagbisita sa Cordillera. Ipinunto ni Waclin na mahalaga para sa munisipyo na magkaroon ng diversified sources of income upang madagdagan ang pondo na maibabalik sa mga residente sa pamamagitan ng mas maayos na serbisyo at implementasyon ng mga development projects sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bayan. Hinihikayat din ng alkalde ang mga pribadong may-ari ng lupa na posibleng gawing tourist destinations na mamuhunan sa kanilang mga ari-arian upang mas maraming bisita ang makaakit at makatulong sa kabuuang kaunlaran ng Itogon. Kabilang sa mga paboritong destinasyon sa bayan ang Mount Ulap sa Barangay Ampucao, Mount Ugo sa Barangay Tinongdan, Binga Dam Viewdeck, mga pribadong resorts sa Barangay Población, rice terraces sa Barangay Dalupirip, at ang pinakabagong pasyalan, ang Mount Camisong Theme Park sa Barangay Loacan. Ayon kay Waclin, ang pamumuhunan ng pribadong sektor ay magdudulot ng mas maraming trabaho para sa mga residente, magpapalakas sa aktibidad ng ekonomiya, at makakatulong sa Itogon na maging isa sa mga paboritong destinasyon sa Benguet at buong Cordillera. Umaasa si Waclin na sa paglago ng turismo bilang pangunahing industriya, mas maraming oportunidad sa trabaho at kabuhayan ang mabubuksan, lalo na’t patuloy ang mga hamon sa sektor ng pagmimina sa bayan. | Benjo Guzman / Bombo Radyo Baguio [Layout by BSU BA Communication OJT interns: Charmaine Capsula, Nicolle Joy Delmas, Rhyza Joie Tomas]

Kadayaw Festival 2026: Honoring Pambujan’s Living Heritage

Vis-Min

Vis-Min / Street Journal

NORTHERN SAMAR, Philippines — The Kadayaw Festival continues to shine as a vibrant tribute to Pambujan’s rich history and diverse cultural roots. More than a celebration, it is a meaningful expression of gratitude, faith, and the community’s shared identity. In honor of Sto. Niño, the Child Jesus, the festival comes alive through colorful dances that reflect the creativity, passion, and artistry of the Pambujanons. Dancers clad in vibrant and intricately designed costumes transform the streets and dance floor into a spectacle of tradition and cultural pride. As Pambujanons mark another year of Kadayaw in 2026, the municipality proudly celebrates the unity and rich cultural diversity of its people. Below are photos capturing the energy, devotion, and vibrant spirit of the Kadayaw Festival. (PHOTO Courtesy from Northern Samar PIO)

Nueva Vizcaya hands over 100+SEF-funded school buildings,facilities to DepEd

Region 2

Region 2 / Street Journal

By Rachel Magday NUEVA VIZCAYA, Philippines — The provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya, through the Governor’s Office–Internal Audit Services Office (IASO), initiated the ceremonial turnover of more than 100 school buildings and facilities, funded through the province’s Special Education Fund (SEF) from 2018 to 2024 and valued at nearly P180 million, to public elementary and secondary schools across the province. The turnover ceremony was held at the Ammungan Hall of the Provincial Capitol and was led by Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito, together with Vice Governor Eufemia Ang Dacayo,BM Flodemonte S. Gerdan and Department of Education (DepEd) officials headed by Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Orlando S. Manuel. Monica A. Bejarin, Internal Auditor III of IASO, said the activity was conducted to comply with Commission on Audit (COA) requirements. COA earlier noted that the school buildings were built using the Special Education Fund and are intended for DepEd public schools, but their value—about P173.480 million—was still listed in the provincial government’s financial records. COA said the records should be transferred to DepEd because DepEd is the agency that actually receives and uses the buildings. If the transfer is not completed, the provincial government’s recorded assets will be overstated. The projects turned over included classroom buildings, kindergarten buildings, child development centers, home economics buildings, industrial arts buildings, Special Education (SPED) buildings, and other dschool facilities. During the program, Gov.Gambito thanked DepEd Nueva Vizcaya and school officials for their continued partnership with the provincial government. He also asked for their sustained support and cooperation with his administration, saying the province aims to further strengthen programs and projects for learners, teachers, and public schools through close coordination with DepEd. SDS Orlando S. Manuel, in turn, lauded Gov.Gambito’s dedication to public service—describing it as “deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountains”—and conveyed the division’s gratitude for the provincial government’s support to the education sector. “From the bottom of our hearts, we expressed our heartfelt gratitude and thanksgiving to the excellence of work of the provincial government that accelerate and propel the growth and development of the province,” Manuel said. He added that DepEd commits to work “hand in hand” with the provincial government to make learning spaces “the best environment ever for our learners—the future leaders in Nueva Vizcaya.” Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Manuel B. Gines of Barangay Busilac,Bayombong, speaking on behalf of various barangays, also expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its support to education, which he said is vital to communities. He noted that aside from key officials, DepEd serves as a “central pillar” of the province.

BDO wins Gold Anvil for “Kabayan Connections” Campaign

Lifestyle

Lifestyle / Street Journal

Bridging hearts and wallets for overseas Filipinos BDO Unibank earned a Gold Anvil Award for its “Kabayan Connections” campaign at the 61st Anvil Awards, under the Public Relations Programs – Best Use of Influencer Marketing category. The Bank was among a select group of Gold Anvil recipients, standing out from more than 170 companies that participated in the prestigious awards organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP). Anchored on credible brand ambassadors and influencers, the campaign delivered timely financial and security tips to overseas Filipinos and their families back home. Piolo Pascual brought depth and institutional trust to the campaign, drawing from his two decades of authentic partnership with BDO. Meanwhile, Small Laude, together with content creators Christian Antolin and Justine Luzares, used light, relatable storytelling to simplify banking concepts and make financial conversations more approachable. More than promoting products, Kabayan Connections focused on building emotional trust. By reflecting the shared realities and aspirations of overseas Filipinos, the campaign fostered meaningful engagement, strengthened financial awareness, and advanced financial inclusion reinforcing BDO’s Alagang Kabayan commitment and its genuine care for Filipinos, wherever they may be.

Baguio assures readiness vs Nipah virus

Baguio City, Tourism / Health

Baguio City, Tourism / Health / Street Journal

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city government through the City Health Services Office (CHSO) has assured the public that there is still no cause for alarm in the city with regards to the Nipah virus, which is now causing concern after registering deaths in India. In a statement, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said that there are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of Nipah virus in the city and that they are closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH). She said measures are in place for the safety and protection of residents against the disease and these are aligned with the protocols in the national level. The DOH had earlier said that the country is prepared to respond to Nipah virus and other emerging infectious diseases. Nipah virus is said to be “a zoonotic disease transmissible from animals to humans with fruit bats as its natural carriers. Pigs and horses can also become infected, though human cases remain rare and outbreaks have been contained in affected areas. First identified in Malaysia in 1998 and Singapore in 1999, the virus now sees seasonal outbreaks in parts of Bangladesh and India, including recent managed cases in West Bengal. The Philippines receives updates via the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations (IHR) network. The DOH has confirmed that the country is prepared, noting past cases in Sultan Kudarat in 2014 linked to infected animals and close contacts—no further cases since, with ongoing surveillance by the DOH Epidemiology Bureau. In 2023, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) updated guidelines stressing Nipah’s high-risk status, transmission via body fluids and droplets, lack of vaccine or antiviral treatment, supportive care needs, strict PPE and infection controls and centralized testing at RITM. As a precaution, the CHSO reminded the public to avoid contact with bats and sick or dead animals, consume only meat inspected by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), ensure food is thoroughly cooked and practice good hand hygiene. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms with severe headache or neurological signs, especially after animal exposure, are advised to seek medical attention promptly. Brillantes said the CHSO continues to work closely with the DOH-CAR, hospitals, laboratories and emergency response units to maintain readiness. The public is urged to remain calm, rely on official information and avoid spreading misinformation. She assured that updates will be issued should there be any change in the situation. – (Aileen P. Refuerzo)

Author name: Street Journal

Preparing Cebu for Sports Tourism